There are a limited number of 19+ Advanced Learner Loans available to fund the fees for the courses listed below. Getting a Loan doesn't depend on your household income and there's no credit check. You won’t have to pay anything back until you're earning over £21,000 a year.

If you are looking to work in a Level 3 teaching assistant role, this could be the ideal course for you. This award has been designed as a form of initial training to equip aspiring teaching assistants with the know-how they need to achieve their career goals. This distance learning qualification is also suitable for current support staff who are looking to increase their knowledge and develop their skills from home.

Unlike the Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Certificate (RQF), the Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Award (RQF) does not require students to undergo a placement in a school. This online qualification is knowledge based and focuses on developing the theoretical and academic abilities of the learner.

During the course of the distance learning qualification, pupils will focus on a range of topics which are central to the teaching assistant profession. By the end of your qualification you will understand:

How schools function as organisations

The importance and patterns of child development in schools

How to effectively communicate with young people

The policies and legislations regarding data protection

How to safeguard children

What Can I Do After Taking This Teaching Assistant Course?

Once you have completed this course, you will have a wealth of skills and knowledge applicable to the role of a teaching assistant. At this point you could certainly apply for your first TA role and undergo further training on the job.

If you are already employed by a school and don’t have any previous qualifications, this award may deem you eligible for a promotion, more responsibility or even a pay rise.

If you enjoyed studying, you could use this award as a gateway to further education. Many teaching assistants go on to study at a higher level and even become lead teachers.

Syllabus

Communication and professional relationships with children, young people and adults

(F/601/3327, Unit Level: 3; GLH: 10 hours; Credits: 2)

Understand the principles of developing positive relationships with children, young people and adults

Understand how to communicate with children, young people and adults

Understand legislation, policies and procedures for confidentiality and sharing information, including data protection

Schools as organisations

(A/601/3326, Unit Level: 3; GLH: 15 hours; Credits: 3)

Know the structure of education from early years to post-compulsory education

Understand how schools are organised in terms of roles and responsibilities

Understand school ethos, mission, aims and values

Know about the legislation affecting schools

Understand the purpose of school policies and procedures

Understand the wider context in which schools operate

Understand Child and Young Person Development

(L/601/1693, Unit Level: 3; GLH: 30 hours; Credits: 4)

Understand the expected pattern of development for children and young people from birth - 19 years.

Understand the factors that influence children and young people’s development and how these affect practice.

Understand how to monitor children and young people’s development and interventions that should take place if this is not following the expected pattern.

Understand the importance of early intervention to support the speech, language and communication needs of children and young people.

Understand the potential effects of transitions on children and young people’s development.

Understand How to Safeguard the Wellbeing of Children and Young People

(Y/601/1695, Unit Level: 3; GLH: 25 hours; Credits: 3)

Understand the main legislation, guidelines, policies and procedures for safeguarding children and young people.

Understand the importance of working in partnership with other organisations to safeguard children and young people.

Understand the importance of ensuring children and young people’s safety and protection in the work setting.

Understand how to respond to evidence or concerns that a child or young person has been abused or harmed.

Understand how to respond to evidence or concerns that a child or young person has been bullied.

Understand how to work with children and young people to support their safety and wellbeing.

Understand the importance of e-safety for children and young people.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete
the course is: 80 hrs.

The Access to Higher Education (A2HE) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the A2HE experience. By working in partnership the A2HE Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our A2HE learners.

Access to Higher Education courses are ideal for learners wanting to start a university course but that have no formal qualifications. By working in partnership the A2HE Consortium is able to:

Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on an A2HE programme of study.

Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.

Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.

Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their A2HE programme.

Allow learners to customise their A2HE programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).

Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.

Course accreditation and certification from Open College Network West Midlands, a QAA (Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education) licenced Access Validating Agency (AVA).

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC)

The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support

Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study.

Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL)

PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices.

Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.

Enabling Development Opportunities Ltd (EDO)

EDO has been working with businesses and learners since 2007. The team of directors and staff have decades of experience in skills training. All learners are supported throughout their studies by a talented group of tutors and assessors who are responsible for ensuring that all learners on the A2HE programmes are supported in a way that makes them feel “special” and gives them the best possible chance of succeeding.

As part of the A2HE Consortium, EDO are responsible for delivering the training and accessing Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. EDO also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from Open College Network West Midlands on successful completion of the A2HE programme.

The Advanced Learning Loan (ALL) Consortium is a group of organisations who work together to promote and deliver excellence within the ALL experience. By working in partnership the ALL Education Consortium is able to call upon the significant expertise of each partner organisation to deliver the best possible learning journey and experience for our Advanced Learning Loan learners.

Advanced Learner Loan funding is ideal for learners who are not able to fund their own learning and are seeking a government backed loan in order to do so. By working in partnership the ALL Consortium is able to:

Recruit, signpost and navigate learners through their decision to register on a programme of study using an Advanced Learning Loan.

Provide learners with the most comprehensive Information, Advice and Guidance prior to registration.

Provide learners with a range of funding options including; payment in full, payment using consumer credit and payment using a government backed Advanced Learning Loan.

Give learners access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme.

Allow learners to customise their Advanced Learning Loan funded programme so that it is bespoke to their own learning needs, challenges them throughout and delivers additional learning in areas such as Maths, English and Soft Skills (Confidence, Resilience, Team working etc.).

Learners access high quality learning materials that are rich and engaging supported by a team of committed and talented tutors and assessors.

Course accreditation and certification from various Ofqual regulated Awarding Bodies.

Who are the partners?

The Stonebridge Group (SAC)

The Stonebridge Group of Training Companies is a conglomerate of 6 separate independent training providers established in 1997 and continually growing. Currently the group trains more than 70,000 learners per annum in a wide range of subjects areas from A-Levels to Web Design and IT with everything in-between. The Group currently employs almost 200 staff who work in all areas including learner recruitment, course development, course delivery, admin, finance and tutorial support

Stonebridge Associated Colleges are currently a Gold Trusted Merchant with an average Service Rating of over 98% from 854 Independent Feefo Reviews. The Group specialises in training, digital marketing and learner recruitment including advice and guidance to ensure the right learners are placed on the right programme of study.

Pearltech UK Ltd (PEARL)

PEARL (Personalised e-Assisted Responsive Learning) is uniquely innovative Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) that delivers customised and responsive learning based on individual learner’s needs. The system is available entirely online which means that learners can access all aspects of their learning, assessment and eportfolio 24/7 and from any location in the World using a variety of devices.

Pearl encourages learner development beyond academic skills and includes proprietary responsive algorithms which present different learning exercises or challenges unique to each learner. This means that every learner has the ability to customise their course and to enrich their learning experience.

Dimensions Training Solutions (DTS)

DTS was originally formed in 1973 and has been responsible for training thousands of apprentices and adult learners since then. DTS aim to help learners broaden their skills, gain knowledge; build on experience, to make a positive change to their career and life with dozens of apprenticeships and distance learning QCF courses that can really kick start a new career.

Judged Good by OFSTED in October 2015: Just some of the reasons why DTS are a GOOD Training provider, very close to OUTSTANDING, but we don’t like to brag...

Learners really enjoy their learning

Effective employer involvement helps learners to link work-related activities well with their qualification

Good quality workplaces, with a diverse range of clients

Highly effective development of Apprentices’ English & Maths skills

Employers provide a high quality working environment

Consistent, high level of achievement for learners

As part of the ALL Consortium, DTS are responsible for delivering the training and accessing the Advanced Learning Loan (if required) funding for learners. DTS also quality assure the programmes and claim the final certificate for learners from the relevant awarding body on successful completion of the programme.

Qualifications

On completion of this course you will receive the NCFE CACHE 3 Level Award in Supporting Teaching & Learning in Schools (RQF) qualification. This qualification is listed on the RQF(Qualification Number: 500/9963/2).

CACHE is the UK's only specialist awarding organisation for the children and adult care sectors. NCFE CACHE continue to develop the most up to date and relevant qualifications for the new RQF and work closely with Sector Skills Councils to ensure the highest level of quality and a cutting-edge service to their customers, our learners, and the sector.

Requirements for Entry

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification but learners will need to be at least 16 years of age.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

NCFE CACHE

Stonebridge is a NCFE CACHE registered Centre

NCFE CACHE is the UK's longest established awarding body, recognised as a highly professional and responsive organisation, committed to maintaining excellent customer service and a friendly approach.

NCFE CACHE is one of the UK’s fastest growing national awarding bodies, designing and awarding qualifications that are nationally recognised to meet the needs of learners and employers.

Accreditation by NCFE CACHE is a guarantee of quality. It means that the college has been inspected and approved by an independent and experienced education professional and is quality audited biannually by NCFE CACHE. The centre delivering the programmes has been licensed by NCFE CACHE on the basis of its own quality systems. At the end of an accredited course, successful learners will also receive an NCFE CACHE Award certificate of achievement.

NCFE CACHE provide a wide range of qualifications accredited by Ofqual at different levels and in a variety of subject areas. NCFE CACHE also offer NVQs, Key Skills, Basic Skills and Entry Level qualifications.

Accreditation by NCFE CACHE is a guarantee of quality. It means that the college has been inspected and approved by an independent and experienced education professional and is quality audited biannually by NCFE CACHE . The centre delivering the programmes has been licensed by NCFE CACHE on the basis of its own quality systems. At the end of an accredited course, successful learners will also receive an NCFE CACHE Award certificate of achievement.

Our NCFE CACHE accredited courses are accredited to various levels (from level 1 – level 5). These courses lead to a nationally recognised NCFE CACHE certificate for successful learners. That means that the course is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to that level on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Last year over a quarter of a million learners from almost 1000 training organisations chose NCFE CACHE as the awarding body to help them move their careers forward.

Qualifications Register

Anyone who is studying for or has completed a course endorsed by an Ofqual approved awarding body is eligible to join Qualifications Register. The Qualifications Register (QR) is an independent register that aims to serve both members of the public and those professionals who hold recognised qualifications.

QR's primary aim is to provide transparency to members of the public and employers. The QR is a searchable database that allows them to find a practitioner and view the relevant qualification and endorsements the practitioner holds. The member of the public is then able to make an informed decision in relation to the suitability of the practitioner. QR also tracks whether practitioners have insurance, again something that is useful for members of the public. QR can also help professionals gain insurance or find professional indemnity cover. Click here to find out more.

Members of the public can check an independent source with complete confidence that the practitioner has the qualification(s) they claim to have and that any additional CPD the practitioner has, is verified and quality assured to make sure that the CPD is being done on a regular basis. QR tracks a practitioners endorsed CPD (in unison with our CPD accreditation partner Lifetime Awarding) and other key signals to help members of the public and employers to come to a more informed decision about the professional they intend to use. This is an enormously valuable signal that's increasingly important as business becomes more deregulated and privatised.

For practitioners QR helps you market your skills, endorsements and feedback transparently to a wider audience. It also gives you access to a community to help make you more able to progress and succeed in your field of expertise. Click hereto find out more.

Professional Membership

On completion of this course you will be eligible to join the following Professional Associations(s):

NCFE CACHE

Stonebridge is a NCFE CACHE registered Centre

NCFE CACHE is the UK's longest established awarding body, recognised as a highly professional and responsive organisation, committed to maintaining excellent customer service and a friendly approach.

NCFE CACHE is one of the UK’s fastest growing national awarding bodies, designing and awarding qualifications that are nationally recognised to meet the needs of learners and employers.

Accreditation by NCFE CACHE is a guarantee of quality. It means that the college has been inspected and approved by an independent and experienced education professional and is quality audited biannually by NCFE CACHE. The centre delivering the programmes has been licensed by NCFE CACHE on the basis of its own quality systems. At the end of an accredited course, successful learners will also receive an NCFE CACHE Award certificate of achievement.

NCFE CACHE provide a wide range of qualifications accredited by Ofqual at different levels and in a variety of subject areas. NCFE CACHE also offer NVQs, Key Skills, Basic Skills and Entry Level qualifications.

Accreditation by NCFE CACHE is a guarantee of quality. It means that the college has been inspected and approved by an independent and experienced education professional and is quality audited biannually by NCFE CACHE . The centre delivering the programmes has been licensed by NCFE CACHE on the basis of its own quality systems. At the end of an accredited course, successful learners will also receive an NCFE CACHE Award certificate of achievement.

Our NCFE CACHE accredited courses are accredited to various levels (from level 1 – level 5). These courses lead to a nationally recognised NCFE CACHE certificate for successful learners. That means that the course is independently accredited at a level of learning equivalent to that level on the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) for England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Last year over a quarter of a million learners from almost 1000 training organisations chose NCFE CACHE as the awarding body to help them move their careers forward.

Qualifications Register

Anyone who is studying for or has completed a course endorsed by an Ofqual approved awarding body is eligible to join Qualifications Register. The Qualifications Register (QR) is an independent register that aims to serve both members of the public and those professionals who hold recognised qualifications.

QR's primary aim is to provide transparency to members of the public and employers. The QR is a searchable database that allows them to find a practitioner and view the relevant qualification and endorsements the practitioner holds. The member of the public is then able to make an informed decision in relation to the suitability of the practitioner. QR also tracks whether practitioners have insurance, again something that is useful for members of the public. QR can also help professionals gain insurance or find professional indemnity cover. Click here to find out more.

Members of the public can check an independent source with complete confidence that the practitioner has the qualification(s) they claim to have and that any additional CPD the practitioner has, is verified and quality assured to make sure that the CPD is being done on a regular basis. QR tracks a practitioners endorsed CPD (in unison with our CPD accreditation partner Lifetime Awarding) and other key signals to help members of the public and employers to come to a more informed decision about the professional they intend to use. This is an enormously valuable signal that's increasingly important as business becomes more deregulated and privatised.

For practitioners QR helps you market your skills, endorsements and feedback transparently to a wider audience. It also gives you access to a community to help make you more able to progress and succeed in your field of expertise. Click hereto find out more.

Career Transition Partnership (CTP)

We are proud to be working with Career Transition Partnetship (CTP) as a CTP Preferred Suplier. We are able to offer ex-service personnel access to funding for our whole range of military resettlement courses.

As a CTP Preferred Supplier we are able to accept your IRTC (Individual Resettlement Training Costs) grant or ELC (Enhanced Learning Credits) for any of the following courses:

Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA)

Beauty Therapy (Massage Route) Dual Course

Business Administration

Certificate in Education and Training

Counselling Skills

Early Years Workforce (Early Years Educator)

Foot Health Care Practitioner

Health and Social Care (Adults)

Hospitality Supervision and Leadership

Playwork (NVQ)

Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care

Principles of Customer Service course

Principles of End of Life Care Course

Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools

Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Certificate

If you are ex-service personnel and would like more information on how to claim this funding, please contact the college or speak to your Service Resettlement Advisor.

Study Options

In order to offer our students the most convenient and flexible distance learning courses, Stonebridge Associated College offers you the option to study for your course via two methods:

1. Via the traditional paper-based method.

2. Through the online method.

Please note: This course is textbook based, and therefore the lessons are not available to be viewed online. If you choose the online method of study with this course, you will be able to view your question papers and tutor feedback online.

Study Hours

This is only an approximate figure and is dependant upon how much time you can dedicate to your studies and how well you grasp the learning concepts in the course material. Furthermore, at the end of each lesson there is a question paper that needs to be completed and returned to your tutor. You should allow at least 1 - 2 hours of study to complete each question paper.

The approximate amount of time required to complete
the course is: 80 hrs.

Further Information

Frequently asked questions

What is the role of a Teaching Assistant?

As a teaching assistant you would support teachers with their everyday work in the classroom, so that they can concentrate on teaching. You could have another job title such as classroom assistant or learning support assistant.

Your exact duties would vary depending on the school and the age of the children, but would typically include:

getting the classroom ready for lessons

listening to children read, reading to them, or telling them stories

helping children who need extra support to complete tasks

helping teachers to plan learning activities and complete records

supervising group activities

looking after children who are upset or have had accidents

encouraging younger children to learn through play

helping with outings and sports events

carrying out routine administrative tasks.

You would also support children with particular individual needs, working one-to-one or in small groups. With experience, you could lead some classes.

In some schools you could have a specialism, such as literacy, numeracy, Special Educational Needs or music. Bilingual teaching assistants are often employed in schools with a lot of children whose first language is not English.

CACHE is the UK's only specialist awarding organisation for the children and adult care sectors, with a portfolio of qualifications ranging from Entry to Level 5. Last year, over 150,000 learners registered with CACHE from over 1000 UK based Centres and overseas.

CACHE is an internationally recognised, specialist Awarding Organisation in the fields of Early Years, Care and Education, and Playwork. An Awarding Organisation is officially recognised and designated by the regulatory authorities to award qualifications in particular subject areas.

CACHE designs courses and qualifications in the care and education of children and young people. CACHE are the UK's only specialist Awarding Organisation to do this. CACHE's courses range from entry level to advanced qualifications for sector professionals.

CACHE continue to develop the most up to date and relevant qualifications for the new QCF and work closely with Sector Skills Councils to ensure the highest level of quality and a cutting-edge service to their customers, our learners, and the sector.

What is the average salary of a Teaching Assistant?

Salaries for full-time teaching assistants can be from around £12,000 to over £17,000 a year.

How is the course delivered?

Once you have registered will receive access to our online learning area where you can access all of the course materials. The entire course is broken down into the individual units and you will be required to pass each unit to pass the course. Our multi-sensory motivational learning programme covers all areas of knowledge and skills: learning tutorials, reading text, powerpoint presentations, multimedia activities, filmed best practice examples, extended learning opportunities and assessment tasks.

Will I be required to be in a placement in order to complete this course?

No, as this is a knowledge based qualification it is appropriate for you not to be volunteering or working in a school. Obviously if you already are, then you will be able to put your learning into practice, however for this course it is not a requirement for you to be working within a school, thus the entire course can be completed from the comfort of your own home.

Can I study this course form outside of the UK?

Yes, CACHE qualifications are fully recognised by all schools in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, what’s more CACHE qualifications are suitable for all teaching assistants who are supporting the British curriculum anywhere in the World.

Tutor Support

With this course you will have unlimited access to your own personal tutor who specialises in their field of study. It is your personal tutor's role to ensure that you receive constructive feedback and to deal with any queries you may have. You are more than welcome to telephone, fax or email your personal tutor.

You will also have access to a dedicated and friendly
team of administrators and course advisors who offer
sound and professional guidance and advice when you
need it. This ensures that you will never feel
neglected and that you will always succeed!

Assessment Method

After each lesson there will be a question paper, which needs to be completed and submitted to your personal tutor for marking. This method of continual assessment ensures that your personal tutor can consistently monitor your progress and provide you with assistance throughout the duration of the course.

Student Zone

We understand that studying from home may be a new experience for you. You may even be feeling a bit apprehensive because you will not be studying in a traditional "classroom environment".

To help you overcome these concerns we have developed the Student Zone. The Student Zone, to which all of our students receive access, encourages a high level of interaction with your tutor and other like-minded students. Within this area you can:

You can enrol today and pay much, much later

We’ve tried to make it easy as possible for you to register onto one of our courses. We understand that not everyone always has the cash needed, to pay for their course upfront, at the time when they want to start their course. So we offer different ways to pay to help you spread the cost over a longer period.

We also allow you to choose whether you want to study your course via the traditional paper based method or online study where you have access to all your course materials immediately. When you proceed through the checkout process you will be given the option to select your preferred method of study.

*Cashback will be paid to you once you have finished paying for your course in full. For more information, please see our cash back terms and conditions. The total amount payable over the term’s period, is no more than the total cash price of the course. (APR = 0%). Written quotations are available on request.

If you opt to study via the paper based method there is an additional postage charge which will be highlighted during the checkout. (Royal Mail First Class = £10 per course or Royal Mail Second Class = £5 per course).

Pay in Full

A one off payment made at the start of your course with nothing further left to pay. This payment method usually attracts the biggest discounts.

Course Fees

Total Payable

£619.99

Pay using Consumer Credit Loans

By working with Pay4Later Consumer Credit services we can offer you a longer repayment period on your course. This means that your monthly repayment amounts are smaller and more affordable. Furthermore if you finance your course using Pay4Later you can complete your training and receive your qualification even if you have not finished paying off your loan. This is great news as it means that you can start earning as soon as you are qualified so that you are able to pay back your loan.

Representative Example*

Course Fees

Course Price

£0.00

Deposit

£0.00

Loan Amount

£0.00

Duration Of Agreement

Months

Rate of interest (fixed)

%

Monthly payment

£0.00

Total Amount Payable

£0.00

*% APR representative

Will I qualify for credit?

We can only consider your application if:

You are 18 or over, and employed at least 16 hours per week

You have a good credit history with no late payments, debt relief orders, CCJ's, IVA's or bankruptcies

You are a permanent UK resident and able to supply a UK address history for the last 3 years

Applications from students (unless employed at least 16 hours per week) or unemployed single house persons will not be considered

Ratesetter is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) with the reference number 633741. Ratesetter is not covered by the Financial Compensation Scheme. Registered offices are at 406 Great Guilford Business Square, 30 Great Guilford Street, London SE1 0HS. For more information please visit: www.ratesetter.com

Pay using 0% APR Instalment Plan

If you would prefer to pay by deposit and instalments and you are in a position to pay off your course relatively quickly, then we are able to offer you a short term instalment plan with 0% APR.

Initial Payment

Instalments

Monthly Payments

Cashback

Total Payable(after cashback)

Course Fees

£19.99

£70.00

10

£100.00

£619.99

Paper Based

Initial Payment: £19.99

Instalments: £70.00

Monthly Payments: 10

Cashback: £100.00

Total Payable (after cashback): £619.99

Online

Initial Payment: £19.99

Instalments: £70.00

Monthly Payments: 10

Cashback: £100.00

Total Payable (after cashback): £619.99

*Cashback will be paid to you once you have finished paying for your course in full. For more information, please see our cashback terms and conditions. The total amount payable over the term's period, is no more than the total cash price of the course. (APR = 0%). Written quotations are available on request.

Pay using a 19+ Loan

The Government has introduced 19+ Advanced Learner Loans to help learners, aged 19 and over, in further education pay the college or training organisation fee. Getting a Loan doesn’t depend on your household income and there’s no credit check. You won’t have to pay anything back until you’re earning over £21,000 a year. Once you earn over this amount you pay back 9% of the earnings you receive above this figure.

Total Loan Amount: £0.00

Your Registration Payment

The one-off, non-refundable Registration fee
payment is taken to allocate your funded place on
your chosen course.

Once you have paid the Registration fee your
course place is secure.

We will supply you with the course details, and
acceptance letter, on payment of the Registration
fee, so you will be able to proceed with your
application for a Government backed 19+
Advanced Learner Loan.

Once you are registered, you will be directed to
our online learning platform, PEARL where you
will be able to track your loan application and start
your course.

What are my repayments likely to be?

That depends on how much you earn, click on the link to the repayment calculator below to see how monthly payments relate to earnings.

Earnings each year
before tax
in £ thousands (k)

Drag slider

If you are earning
this much a month

£1,750.00

You would repay
this much a month

£0.00

Loan repayments only start when you are earning OVER £21,000 per year.

REMEMBER: loan repayments only start when you are earning over £21,000 per year.

What if I never earn more than £21,000 per annum?

Currently if you do not exceed an annual salary of more than £21,000 your loan will never be repaid.

Repayments won’t start for any course until April 2016, but you can make voluntary repayments before then.

Can the 19+ Advanced Learning Loan be written off or cancelled?

Normally any outstanding loan you have will be written off 30 years after it becomes eligible to be repaid.

If you receive a disability-related benefit and are permanently unfit for work, it will be cancelled.

In addition, if you’re undertaking an Access to HE Diploma and then go on to complete an HE qualification the outstanding balance of your 19+ Advanced Learning Loan will be written off. To qualify for this write off you must have fully completed both courses. You do not need to take out a loan for the HE course. However, it must be eligible for funding by Student Finance England. The HE course does not have to relate to the Access to HE course you complete.

Who is eligible for a 19+ Advanced Learning Loan?

To be eligible for the loan you must be:

19 or older on the first day of your course (there’s no upper age limit)

living in the UK on the first day of your course, and have lived in the UK, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man for 3 years immediately before this starting your course on or after 1 August 2013

Is there an upper age limit?

There is no upper age limit in order to apply for a 19+ Advanced Learning Loan.

Is there a maximum amount of Loan available?

The course fees of the Stonebridge courses eligible for the 19+ Advanced Learner Loans can be entirely covered by the loan amount you are able to take out.

Who is providing my Course with the 19+ Advanced Learning Loan?

Dimensions Training Solutions, an established training provider with accountability to the Skills Funding Agency and Ofsted.

What difference does the funding make to my course?

There are some differences when you apply for, and receive a 19+ Advanced Learning Loan

"Dimensions Training Solutions" deliver your course.

Six Employability and Independent Learning Skills (EILS) modules are embedded in the content of your course: Maths, English, Digital Life Skills, Confidence, Resilience and Meeting Deadlines to help boost your skill-set and further your career.

You complete your course to your "Individual Learning Plan" which has a set finish date.

A Student Support Officer (SSO) will be assigned to you, so you have a single point of contact to help you stay on course.

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Understand the number system and relationships...Read More »

Bullying in Schools Course
About the Level 3 Bullying in Schools Certificate
Unfortunately, bullying is present in many schools across the UK. However, if teachers, teaching assistants and the other professionals working in schools are taught to deal...Read More »

Child Development Course
This course examines areas of communication, language, play and social learning, whilst exploring the physical, mental and emotional development of the child. Formulated to cater to the needs and requirements of those engaged...Read More »

Child Development Advanced Course
An understanding of child/young people development is of paramount importance to any person working with or involved with children/young people. Understanding child development forms part of the curriculum for the...Read More »

Classroom Behaviour Course
About the Level 3 Classroom Behaviour Certificate
Pupil behaviour in school is possibly one of the most difficult parts of being a teacher. This course is there to assist people dedicated to teaching spending more time doing...Read More »

Drama in Education
Drama has been with us all since the very beginning: primitive man deals with the circumstances that shape his life by dramatically representing them through storytelling. Dance, folklore, chanting, ritual and self-identification...Read More »

General Principles of Teaching Course
Not all teaching takes place in schools, although this is the norm, and the typical teaching situation consists of a teacher confronting a class of pupils who are to learn from the teacher.
The teacher is seen...Read More »

Higher Level Teaching Assistant Course
Are you an aspiring teaching assistant looking to progress in your career? The Higher Level Teaching Assistant course is designed for learners that are looking for flexible online training and to find out more...Read More »

Improving Learning Skills Course
Studying is an active process. Open learning materials enable adult learners to take responsibility for their own learning. This course has been prepared as an open learning resource for people who wish to undertake...Read More »

Middle Years Award in Positive Parenting Course
This is a bespoke course that has been designed to promote an understanding of 6-12year olds and their specific needs. It is unique in its endeavours as it captures all the elements of child development...Read More »

Playwork
Our Playwork course is divided into six units, each of which deals with one or more learning outcomes related to one or more aspects of Play and Playwork.
About Playwork
Once you have completed the entire Playwork Course you will have achieved...Read More »

Special Educational Needs (SEN) Course
‘Special Educational Needs’ refers to learning difficulties or disabilities that make learning, communication or behaviour more challenging for a child with these special needs than for others of a ...Read More »

Advanced Special Educational Needs (SEN) Course
About the Level 4 Advanced Special Educational Needs (SEN) Certificate
With the right support, people with special educational needs have a higher chance of leading happy, fulfilling and successful lives...Read More »

Supporting Open Learners Course
Supporting Open Learners provides an introduction to the main methods and issues in support systems for open learning. It aims to give a broad view of support.
...Read More »

Teaching Assistant Course
If you are wondering how to become a teaching assistant, this online course could be ideal for you. This distance learning qualification has been designed with those with an interest in becoming a teaching assistant in mind...Read More »

NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Course
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools has been specially designed to educate learners who want to become teaching assistants...Read More »

NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools (RQF) Course
The NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools (RQF) has been designed to provide learners with the understanding they need to become effective school support workers. The distance...Read More »

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Award (RQF) Course
If you are looking to work in a Level 3 teaching assistant role, this could be the ideal course for you. This award has been designed as a form of initial training to...Read More »

Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF Level 3) Diploma Course
The NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Specialist Support for Teaching and Learning in Schools (RQF) has been designed to provide individuals with the knowledge they need...Read More »

Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Certificate (RQF) Level 3 Course
Are you a teaching assistant looking to gain new skills? The Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools Certificate (RQF) Level 3 is suited to anyone who is passionate about...Read More »

Teaching English as a Second Language Course
About the Level 3 Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate
English is the language of business, science, aviation and computers. It is the national language of 53 countries and the third most spoken...Read More »

Why and When to Use Open Learning Course
Open and flexible learning has become Europe's fastest growing training method. It has been used successfully for a wide range of applications with many different types of learners and from an increasingly...Read More »

Student success story

Gill's Story

I’m working twice as hard and earning half as much, but I wouldn’t change for the world

When you work closely with young children, playing a part in their development, it is worth much more than you could possibly imagine. The work of a teaching assistant maybe challenging, varied and tiring but you really do “make a difference” in the lives of your young pupils...

Latest blog posts

Teaching Assistant Standards: 4 Steps to a Successful Career

Posted on 04-05-2018

What are Teaching Assistant Standards? As a current, soon-to-be or aspiring teaching assistant, it is important to be aware of the Professional Standards for Teaching Assistants. Put together by a group of working ...

The Role of a Teaching Assistant (Comprehensive Guide + E-book)

Posted on 26-03-2018

Qualifications, Responsibilities and Benefits What Do Teaching Assistants Do? A teaching assistant works alongside a teacher in a primary or a secondary school. They have two main roles: one is to support the main ...

Being a Teaching Assistant: The Complete Guide + Infographic

Posted on 01-03-2018

Did you know that teaching assistants have one of the most rewarding careers? They get the chance to see the difference they make to someone’s life on a daily basis. If this is something you see yourself doing, keep...